Control for door lock set

ABSTRACT

Means and method for modifying the operation of a modern cylinder lock so as to provide for an operation of the latchbolt through a push-pull action in addition to an operation of the latch bolt through the more normal rotational manipulation of the lock set handles or knobs. A lock set is modified by severing the operating ends of the opposed spindles and mounting an adapter therebetween so as to join the spindles. The adapter, between the spindles, includes an inwardly offset area defining laterally spaced camming edges, and an inclined flat camming surface extending from one end of the inwardly offset area. The configuration of the adapter cooperates with the latchboltretracting apparatus to effect a retraction of the latchbolt in response to either a rotation of the knobs or a push-pull manipulation thereof.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Henry W. Rollins P.O. Box 578, Waterville, Maine 04901 [21] AppLNo. 861,437 [22] Filed Sept. 26, 1969 [45] Patented June 1, 1971 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 606,796, Jan. 3, 1967, now Patent No. 3,490,803.

[54] CONTROL FOR DOOR LOCK SET 16 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 292/170, 292/1, 292/336.5, 292/358 [51] Int.'Cl E05c1/12, E05b 3/02 [50] Field of Search 70/146, 92; 292/1, 169,169.18, l70,336.5, 174,358

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 339,245 4/1886 Von Winkle 70/146 508,267 11/1893 Armstrong 70/146 618,708 l/1899 Merwin 292/170 1,965,789 7 1934 Anglyn... 292 170 2,383,574 8/1945 Voight.... 292 170. 2,834,194 5/1958 Schlage.. 70/146 3,385,622 5/1968 Winger... 292/170 3,490,803 1 1970 Rollins 292/170 Primary Examiner-Marvin A. Champion Assistant ExaminerEdward J. McCarthy Att0rneysClarence A. OBrien and Harvey B. Jacobson ABSTRACT: Means and method for modifying the operation of a modern cylinder lock so as to provide for an operation of the latchbolt through a push-pull action in addition to an operation of the latch bolt through the more normal rotational manipulation of the lock set handles or knobs. A look set is modified by severing the operating ends of the opposed spindies and mounting an adapter therebetween so as to join the spindles. The adapter, between the spindles, includes an inwardly offset area defining laterally spaced camming edges, and an inclined flat camming surface extending from one end of the inwardly offset area. The configuration of the adapter cooperates with the latchbolt-retracting apparatus to effect a retraction of the latchbolt in response to either a rotation of the knobs or a push-pull manipulation thereof.

PATENTEDJUN Hen 3,582,121

SHEET 1 [1F 3 v 58 Fig 56' Fig 2 Henry W. Rollins I INVENTOR.

BY Milk M04} EM PATENTED JUN 1 I97! SHEET 2 BF 3 CONTROL FOR DOOR LOCK SET This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 606,796, filed .Ian. 3, 1967, for Door Lock Construction, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,803.

The instant invention relates to new and useful improvements in door locks, and is more specifically concerned with door lock construction and the provision of means and an associated method for the adaptation of a modern cylinder lock to a push-pull operation in conjunction with the normal rotational operation.

It is a primary object of the instant invention to provide a door lock which combines a positive locking action with a push-pull action for effecting the retraction of the latchbolt. In conjunction therewith, it is a significant intention of the instant invention to provide means for converting a door lock, of the type incorporating a positive latching action, so as to retain the positive latching action while enabling a push-pull operation thereof.

The desirability, and in fact necessity of combining a positive latching lock bolt with a push-pull release is particularly significant in hospital construction wherein doors to the patients rooms, in order to function effectively as a fire stop, must incorporate a positive latch mechanism. By the same token, means must also be provided for enabling a free passage therethrou'gh, much in the manner of a free swinging door. In meeting these specific requirements, a means has been devised for modifying a regular latching door lock so as to retain the latching feature while at the same time enabling an operation thereof through a convenient push-pull operation which in effect provides all of the necessary convenience normally associated with a free swinging door.

Also of primary significance is the fact that the conversion of the lock is done in a manner which retains the ability of the lock to function in the manner ofa conventional lock wherein the latch bolt is retracted through a rotational manipulation of the grasping handles which, in order to retain the appearance ofa conventional lock set, can be conventional knobs.

Basically, the conversion of a conventional lock set is effected by removing the operating end of the two opposed knob mounting spindles and securing an adapter therebetween, normally engaged with each spindle by a telescopically received connector. The adapter includes a recessed central portion defined by opposed camming edges which operate the latch-retracting mechanism through a rotational movement, and additionally incorporates an inclined surface which functions so as to operate the latch retractor through a longitudinal manipulation of the adapter effected by a corresponding push-pull manipulation of the spindles secured thereto. Thus, the actual conversion, notwithstanding the uniqueness, practicality and significant usefulness thereof, is effected in a simple and inexpensive manner avoiding any necessity for a change in the internal operating components of the lock set.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view through an installed door lock set modified in accordance with the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross section through the lock set with the plunger in a latch-retracting rotated position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the retracting element in a longitudinally slid latch-retracting position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of two conventional spindles and a latch retractor against which they operate;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view ofa pair of modified spindles, the adapter and the two connectors;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the modified latch controlling element assembled for insertion into a lock set;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a plunger incorporating an adapter with integral connectors;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the plunger of FIG. 7 assembled;

FIG. 9 illustrates the mounting of the plunger of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another form of adapter.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 is used to generally designate a door lock constructed in accordance with the instant invention. The lock 10 includes a latch unit 12 which comprises a cylindrical housing 14 closed on the forward end thereof by a latch face plate 16 through which an internally received latch bolt 18 projects for engagement within the jamb recess 20. A relatively narrow concentric elongated latch bar 22 is fixed to and extends rearwardly from the latch bolt 18 through a reduced opening provided in the inner end of the latch housing 14, the latch bar 22 terminating in a pair of laterally directed cars 24. The latchbolt 18 is biased forwardly for projection of the forward beveled end thereof through the face plate 16 by an enlarged coiled compression spring 26 positioned within the housing 14 about the latch bar 22 and having the opposite ends thereof engaged with the inner end of the latchbolt l8 and the closed end of the housing 14. An appropriate shoulder or offset 28 on the latchbolt 18 limits its projection through the face plate 16 in an obvious manner. Finally, a pair of laterally directed prongs 30, fixed to the housing 14, project rearwardly from the housing 14 for engagement within a transverse opening 32 defined in the wall of the interior cylindrical latch housing 34.

The cylindrical housing 34 includes a hollow cylindrical body 36 having a completely open outside end 38 and an inside end including a reduced diameter hollow coaxial sleevelike extension 40 surrounded by a circular end wall 42. The aforementioned housing opening 32 which receives the latch unit prongs 30 opens through the end wall 42 with the oppositely outwardly directed prongs 30 sliding laterally past the end wall 42 for engagement within the cylindrical body 36. With the latch unit 12 thus secured to the cylindrical housing 34, the laterally directed latch bar cars 24 are located within the cylindrical enlarged body 36 of the housing 34 and are engaged by the inwardly directed end portions 43 of a pair of laterally spaced side arms 44 on the latch retractor 46. The retractor 46 is in turn slidably mounted within the housing 34 in longitudinal alignment with the latch bolt 18 for effecting a selective retraction thereof. The latch retractor 46 includes, in addition to the side arms 44, a pair of inwardly directed abutment shoulders 48 at approximately midway along the arms 44, the forward faces of the shoulders receiving and reacting to the camming portions of the knob-controlled element as shall be described subsequently. The rear faces of the two shoulder portions 48 receive, through an appropriate spring seat, one end of a pair of coiled biasing compression springs 50. These springs extend from the rear faces of the shoulder portions 48 into engagement against a pair of inwardly directed ears 52 on a hub frame 54 which centers and slidably mounts the latch retractor 46 within the cylindrical housing 34. With the springs 50 so orientated, it will be appreciated that the latch retractor 46 is biased forwardly so as to enable a projection of the latchbolt 18 beyond the latch face plate 16, the latch spring 26 further insuring a proper projection of the latchbolt 18 in a retractable manner.

The above detailed construction, normally present in a conventional door lock set, operates in response to the introduction of a camming force on either one or the other of the retractor shoulders 48 so as to move the retractor 46 against the biasing force of the springs 50 and hence effect a retraction of the latchbolt 18. Normally, a pair of aligned spaced knob-mounting spindles 56 are provided for a manipulation of the lock from the opposite sides of a door, each spindle 56, two such conventional spindles being illustrated in FIG. 4, being independently operable and both capable of engaging against the retractor shoulders 48 through a rotation of the corresponding knob 58. Such conventional spindles 56 are hollow and tubular in nature, including an inwardly projecting semicylindrical operating end portion 60 having oppositely curled camming edges 62 which seat on the opposed shoulders 48 and selectively exert a force thereon upon a rotation of the spindle 56 in either of two directions, the force exerted resulting in a retracting movement of the retractor and a retraction of the latchbolt 18. This construction is also conventional and allows for an operation of the door lock solely through a rotational operation.

Attention is now specifically directed to FIGS. 5 and 6 wherein a means and method of the lock conversion proposed herein has been illustrated. Initially, the operating end portions 60 of the two spindles 56, including the camming edges 60 thereon, are cut from the spindles, after which one of the spindles, hereinafter designated by reference numeral 56, is longitudinally severed so as to in effect reduce the width thereof for facilitating the mounting of the complete actuating element or plunger 64, illustrated in FIG. 6.

The actual actuation of the retractor 46 is effected by a hollow cylindrical adapter 66 which is orientated between the inner ends of the two modified spindles and fixedly engaged therewith by a pair of sleevelike connectors 68 and 70. The adapter 66 is formed with an inwardly offset or recessed seat 72 between the opposite ends thereof. This seat is in the nature of a fiat elongated planar portion of a length corresponding to the width of the retractor shoulders 48 and is defined by opposed coplanar longitudinally extending edges 74 adapted for operable engagement with the two spaced retractor shoulders 48. In this manner, a rotational movement of the adapter 66 in either direction will produce a retractor moving force against the corresponding retractor shoulder 48. An inclined flat camming surface, defined by arcuately converging edge portions 76, extends outwardly from one end of the shoulder seating flat portion 72 to the outer periphery of the adapter 66 in inwardly spaced relation to one end 78 thereof. The adapter 66, between the outer ends of the upwardly inclined converging edges 76 and the end 78, is split, that is has a slot 80 defined longitudinally therethrough. it will be appreciated that the inclined camming surface forming edges 76 are in fact continuations of the shoulder-engaging edges 74 and will, upon a longitudinal movement of the adapter 66, as suggested in FIG. 3, engage against the shoulders 48 and effect a retracting movement of the retractor 46. The opposite end of the seat defined by the longitudinal edges 74 terminates in a perpendicular end portion defined by a pair of spaced edges or edge portions 82 which form in effect right angular continuations of the edges 74. Between the end portion defined by the edges 82 and the corresponding extreme end 84 of the adapter 66 the adapter is of a lesser width than that portion adjacent the first end 78 thereof. In other words, the second end portion of the adapter is longitudinally cut off so as to conform to the longitudinally cutoff configuration of the spindle 56' with which it is to be engaged.

Noting FIG. 6, the adapter 66 is of a cross section, at the opposed ends thereof, so as to conform exactly with the severed ends of the two spindles and form a hollow linear continuation thereof. The fixed engagement with the spindle 56 is effected through the generally semicylindrical connector 68 which is telescopically received within and across the adjoining end portions of the longitudinally split spindle 56 and the adjacent split end portion of the adapter 66, this sleeve 68 being permanently secured, as by welding or the like, so as to provide a permanent interconnection between the members. The sleeve 70, which is in the nature of a split cylindrical member, is likewise received within the severed end portion of the second spindle 56 and the adjacent portion of the adapter 66, welding or the like being utilized to fix the members for an accom= modation of both the rotational and the posh-pull forces to be introduced thereto.

with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the reduced cross-sectional area of the spindle 56 and the adjoining portion of the adapter 66 is of significance in enabling a positioning of the operating element or plunger 64 within the lock construction. This is effected through a depression of the latch retractor 46 against the biasing force of the springs 50 and an introduction of the spindle 56' thereover until the seating portion 72 is aligned with the two inwardly directed retractor shoulders 48, at which time the retractor 46 is released and the shoulders 48 seated within the recess with the perpendicular end wall, formed by the edge portions 82, engaged against the outer face panel of the retractor provided between the opposed arms 44 below the shoulders 48. When positioned in this manner, noting FIG. 3 in particular, it will be appreciated that the plunger 64, upon being moved in the direction of the arrow, through either a push or a pull on the appropriate knob 58, will engage the inclined surface, or more particularly the edges 76, against the shoulders 48 and thereby effect a withdrawal of the retractor 46 against the biasing force of the springs 50. This in turn will result in a retraction of the latch bolt. Once the appropriate knob is released, the biasing force of the springs 26 and 50 will effect an automatic return of the plunger 64 to its centered position with the shoulders 48 seated against the seat edges 74, and a corresponding extension of the latchbolt l8.

Noting FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that a similar latchbolt retracting movement of the retractor 46 will be effected through a rotation of the plunger 64, the seat-forming edges 74 acting against the retractor shoulders 48 much in the manner of the original camming edges 62 which had previously been severed from the two independent spindles 56.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, a modified form of adapter has been illustrated therein. This adapter 90, while hollow and generally cylindrical, as the previously described adapter 66, differs therefrom in that adapter 90 does not include a longitudinal slot therein, is of a thicker metal, as will be readily appreciated from a comparison on the illustrations of the two adapters, and more importantly has the end connectors 92 and 94 integrally formed therewith from the same tubular piece of metal.

The central operating portion of the adapter 90 is formed and operates in the same manner as the central operating portion of the adapter 66. That is, the adapter 9%) includes an inwardly offset or recessed seat 96 which is in the nature ofa flat elongated planar portion of a length corresponding to the width of the shoulders 48 of a conventional retractor. Incidentally, insofar as the conventional lock components shown in FIG. 9 are concerned, the reference numerals previously assigned to these parts have been used therein. The flat elongated planar portion is defined by opposed coplanar longitudinally extending edges 98 which are adapted for operable engagement with the two spaced retractor shoulders 48 whereby rotational movement of the adapter 90 in either direction will produce the desired retractor moving force. An inclined flat camming surface is defined by arcuately converging edge portions 100 extending outwardly from one end of the shoulder seating fiat portion 96 to the outer periphery of the adapter 90, forming continuations of the shoulder engaging edges 98 for engagement with the shoulders upon a longitudinal movement of the adapter to produce a corresponding movement of the retractor 46. The opposite end of the seat defined by the edges 98 terminates in a perpendicular end portion formed by a pair of spaced edges or edge portions 102 which extend outwardly at right angles to the edges 98.

The connectors 92 and 94 are formed from the same piece of material outward, respectively, of the edges 102 and 100 by turning or otherwise diametrically reducing the rod or tubelike material to a size which can be snugly telescoped within the adjoining ends of a pair of spindles 104. The spindles 104, similar to the previously described spindles 56, have been modified by a removal of the operating heads thereon, the cross-sectional diameter of the main portion of the adapter 90 being equal to that of the spindles 104 as will be best appreciated from FIG. 8. It will be noted that the connector 92 and the adjacent portion of the main body of the adapter outward of the perpendicular edges 102 are of a lesser height, having, in fact, been sliced in a plane paralleling the seat forming edges 98. However, the adjoining spindle 104 is, contrary to the previously described spindle 56", maintained full round so as to avoid a weakening of this spindle and maintain all of the operating features thereof, such being of particular significance if the latch set is to incorporate specific locking means.

With reference to FIG. 9 in particular, it will be appreciated that, inasmuch as both spindles are maintained full round, the plunger or retractor operating element cannot be mounted in the manner described in conjunction with the first form of the invention. On the contrary, the form of the invention in FIGS. 79 requires a mounting of one spindle 104 on the full round end of the adapter 90, an insertion of the reduced height connector 92 and adjoining portion of the adapter into the lock set for a seating of the retractor shoulders 48 on the edges 98, and a subsequent mounting of the second spindle 104. The mounting of the second spindle 104, as suggested in FIG. 9, is normally effected by the driving of a pin 106 through aligned holes in the second spindle 104 and the projecting connector 92 prior to a mounting of the second facing plate and door knob about and on the second spindle 104. Once mounted, it will of course be appreciated that the unit will operate exactly in the manner as the initially described unit, retracting the latchbolt through both a push-pull action and a rotational action, or for that matter a combination of both.

in conclusion, attention is directed to FIG. 10 wherein yet another form of adapter 108 has been illustrated. This adapter, including integral reduced diameter connectors 110 and 112 on the oppositeends thereof, is formed from a solid rod as opposed to the hollow rod utilized in the formation of the adapter 90. Aside from this difference, adapter 108, in configuration and dimensions, duplicates adapter 90 and is likewise intended to cooperate with a pair of opposed modified spindles 104 for operation specifically in the manner of the adapter 90, and for that matter the adapter 66. In this connection, the retractor shoulders 48 will be engaged by the opposed longitudinally extending edges or edge portions 114 of the inwardly offset recessed seat, as well as by the arcuately converging edge portions 116 of the inclined flat camming surface extending outwardly from one end of the recessed seat.

From the foregoing, itiwill be appreciated that a conventional door lock set has been modified in a unique manner so as to achieve a significantly improved operation whereby the conventional rotating lock can simultaneously be operated in the manner of a push-pull lock. This conversion, while highly unique, is done in a simple and economical manner which is a major factor in contributing to the commercial feasibility of the invention. Incidentally, it should be appreciated that the lock set conversion detailed supra is equally adaptable for lock sets incorporating key and/or pushbutton controls thereon for a selective locking of the set against an unauthorized retraction of the latchbolt. This will in no way affect the construction herein described.

Theforegoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What I claim as new is as follows:

1. Lock construction comprising a housing, a latchbolt selectively extensible and retractable relative to said housing, movable retractor means operatively engaged with said latchbolt for a selective extension and retraction of said .latchbolt in response to movement of said retractor means,

said retractor means comprising coplanar laterally spaced cam-abutting shoulders, actuating plunger means mounted within said housing for both rotational movement generally about its longitudinal axis, and longitudinal movement generally transversely across the path of movement of the latchbolt, said plunger means comprising a pair of opposed knob spindles and an independent adapter engaged with and fixed longitudinally between the spindles, first camming means on said adapter selectively engageable against said retractor means shoulders upon a rotational movement of said actuating plunger means for effecting a latch-retracting movement thereof, and second camming means on said adapter selectively engageable against said retractor means shoulders upon longitudinal movement of said actuating plunger means for also effecting a latch retracting movement thereof, said adapter comprising an elongated generally cylindrical member, said member including a longitudinally extending elongated centrally located recessed seat defined by opposed elongated coplanar edge portions, said edge portions constituting said first camming means operably engageable with said retractor means shoulders upon a rotational movement of said member, said second camming means comprising an inclined flat camming surface extending outwardly from the recessed seat at one end thereof and engageable with both shoulders.

2. For use in a doorlock set incorporating a retractor controlled retracting latch bolt wherein said retractor incorporates a pair of laterally spaced flat cam abutment shoulders, an elongated actuating plunger, said actuating plunger comprising a pair of handle-mounting spindles and an adapter fixed to and extending longitudinally between said spindles to define an elongated rodlike member, said adapter including a central recessed seat defined by a flat elongated inwardly offset portion generally paralleling the longitudinal axis of said rodlike member, said flat portion terminating at one end in an outwardly inclined fiat camming surface, said flat inwardly offset portion and said outwardly inclined flat surface both defining opposed camming edges along the full length thereof for engagement with spaced abutment shoulders, these camming edges defining the outermost limit of the faces of the portion and the surface.

3. The construction of claim 2 wherein said fiat portion terminates, at the second end thereof, in an end portion projecting generally perpendicularly'outward from the fiat portion to the outer periphery of the adapter.

4. The construction of claim 3 wherein said adapter, between the end portion and the corresponding end of the adapter is of a reduced height relative to the height of the adapter between the inclined surface and the second end of the adapter.

5. The construction of claim 4 wherein the two spindles, fixed to the opposite ends of the adapter, are each of a crosssectional configuration generally corresponding to that of the adjacent end of the adapter.

6. The construction of claim 4 including connectors secured to the opposed ends of the adapter and projecting longitudinally therefrom into telescopic engagement within the adjoining ends of the spindles for a fixing of the adapter to and between the spindles.

7. The construction of claim 6 wherein said connectors are integrally formed with the adapter and of a diametrically reduced size relative thereto.

8. The construction of claim 7 wherein said adapter and connectors are hollow.

9. A method of converting a rotating lock set, which includes a pair of spaced spindles for independent engagement with a latch retractor, to a combined rotating and push-pull lock set, said method comprising the steps of fixing an adapter, capable of operating the retractor by both rotation and longitudinal movement, to both spindles in a manner so as to extend longitudinally therebetween and provide a rigid connection therefor.

10. The method of claim 9 including the step of severing the retractor engaging endportion of each spindle prior to an engagement of the adapter therewith, said adapter being engaged with each spindle at the severed end thereof.

11. The method of claim 10 including the step of utilizing a mounting connector to secure each end of the adapter to the end of the corresponding spindle.

12. The method of claim 11 including the step of longitudinally severing one of the spindles and removing approximately one half of the height thereof.

13. An adapter mountable on a pair of lock set spindles for converting a rotating lock set to a combined rotating and push-pull lock set, said adapter comprising an elongated generally cylindrical member including opposed ends, a recessed seat between said ends defined by a flat elongated inwardly offset portion generally paralleling the axis of the member, said flat portion terminating at one end in an outwardly inclined flat camming surface, said flat inwardly offset portion and said outwardly inclined flat surface both defining opposed camming edges along the length thereof, said member, between the second end of the flat portion and the adjacent end of the member being ofa reduced height relative 

1. Lock construction comprising a housing, a latchbolt selectively extensible and retractable relative to said housing, movable retractor means operatively engaged with said latchbolt for a selective extension and retraction of said latchbolt in response to movement of said retractor means, said retractor means comprising coplanar laterally spaced cam-abutting shoulders, actuating plunger means mounted within said housing for both rotational movement generally about its longitudinal axis, and longitudinal movement generally transversely across the path of movement of the latchbolt, said plunger means comprising a pair of opposed knob spindles and an independent adapter engaged with and fixed longitudinally between the spindles, first camming means on said adapter selectively engageable against said retractor means shoulders upon a rotational movement of said actuating plunger means for effecting a latch-retracting movement thereof, and second camming means on said adapter selectively engageable against said retractor means shoulders upon longitudinal movement of said actuating plunger means for also effecting a latch retracting movement thereof, said adapter comprising an elongated generally cylindrical member, said member including a longitudinally extending elongated centrally located recessed seat defined by opposed elongated coplanar edge portions, said edge portions constituting said first camming means operably engageable with said retractor means shoulders upon a rotational movement of said member, said second camming means comprising an inclined flat camming surface extending outwardly from the recessed seat at one end thereof and engageable with both shoulders.
 2. For use in a door lock set incorporating a retractor controlled retracting latcH bolt wherein said retractor incorporates a pair of laterally spaced flat cam abutment shoulders, an elongated actuating plunger, said actuating plunger comprising a pair of handle-mounting spindles and an adapter fixed to and extending longitudinally between said spindles to define an elongated rodlike member, said adapter including a central recessed seat defined by a flat elongated inwardly offset portion generally paralleling the longitudinal axis of said rodlike member, said flat portion terminating at one end in an outwardly inclined flat camming surface, said flat inwardly offset portion and said outwardly inclined flat surface both defining opposed camming edges along the full length thereof for engagement with spaced abutment shoulders, these camming edges defining the outermost limit of the faces of the portion and the surface.
 3. The construction of claim 2 wherein said flat portion terminates, at the second end thereof, in an end portion projecting generally perpendicularly outward from the flat portion to the outer periphery of the adapter.
 4. The construction of claim 3 wherein said adapter, between the end portion and the corresponding end of the adapter is of a reduced height relative to the height of the adapter between the inclined surface and the second end of the adapter.
 5. The construction of claim 4 wherein the two spindles, fixed to the opposite ends of the adapter, are each of a cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to that of the adjacent end of the adapter.
 6. The construction of claim 4 including connectors secured to the opposed ends of the adapter and projecting longitudinally therefrom into telescopic engagement within the adjoining ends of the spindles for a fixing of the adapter to and between the spindles.
 7. The construction of claim 6 wherein said connectors are integrally formed with the adapter and of a diametrically reduced size relative thereto.
 8. The construction of claim 7 wherein said adapter and connectors are hollow.
 9. A method of converting a rotating lock set, which includes a pair of spaced spindles for independent engagement with a latch retractor, to a combined rotating and push-pull lock set, said method comprising the steps of fixing an adapter, capable of operating the retractor by both rotation and longitudinal movement, to both spindles in a manner so as to extend longitudinally therebetween and provide a rigid connection therefor.
 10. The method of claim 9 including the step of severing the retractor engaging end portion of each spindle prior to an engagement of the adapter therewith, said adapter being engaged with each spindle at the severed end thereof.
 11. The method of claim 10 including the step of utilizing a mounting connector to secure each end of the adapter to the end of the corresponding spindle.
 12. The method of claim 11 including the step of longitudinally severing one of the spindles and removing approximately one half of the height thereof.
 13. An adapter mountable on a pair of lock set spindles for converting a rotating lock set to a combined rotating and push-pull lock set, said adapter comprising an elongated generally cylindrical member including opposed ends, a recessed seat between said ends defined by a flat elongated inwardly offset portion generally paralleling the axis of the member, said flat portion terminating at one end in an outwardly inclined flat camming surface, said flat inwardly offset portion and said outwardly inclined flat surface both defining opposed camming edges along the length thereof, said member, between the second end of the flat portion and the adjacent end of the member being of a reduced height relative to the height at the opposite end of the member.
 14. The construction of claim 13 including a pair of connectors, one fixed to each end of the adapter member and projecting longitudinally therefrom for engagement with a pair of knob spindles.
 15. The construction of claim 14 wherein said connectors are integral wIth the adapter and formed directly from the opposed ends of the cylindrical member.
 16. The construction of claim 15 wherein said connectors are diametrically reduced relative to the adapter. 